Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Asia
FundingFully Funded
LevelBachelors
DeadlineJanuary
Application feeUSD 80 (fee waiver for top-ranked applicants from UN Least Developed Countries)
About this scholarship
Admitted international undergraduates receive full tuition exemption for 8 semesters plus a monthly living allowance and health insurance. Bachelors 4 years (8 semesters)
ProviderKorea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
CountrySouth Korea (Asia)
Host university / institutionKAIST (Daejeon)
Degree levelsBachelors
Fields of studyEngineering, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Business & Technology Management
Funding typeFully Funded
Application feeUSD 80 (fee waiver for top-ranked applicants from UN Least Developed Countries)
DeadlineTwo rounds: Early Admission (Spring track closes late Oct, Fall track mid-Jan) and Regular Admission (Fall, closes mid-January).
KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship eligibility criteria
Applicant must hold foreign (non-Korean) citizenship; Korean or dual citizens are ineligible
Neither of the applicant's parents is a Korean citizen (Korean-origin applicants must have completed all schooling abroad)
Completed or expected high school graduation (12 years of primary/secondary education)
Must apply as a freshman; transfer students are not accepted
International schools located in Korea are not recognized as foreign schools
Must not hold a degree from another university upon enrollment
Benefits and coverage
Full tuition exemption for 8 semesters (up to 4 years)
Monthly living allowance of 350,000 KRW
Medical/health insurance coverage
Automatic consideration on admission (no separate scholarship application)
Renewed by maintaining a GPA above 2.7/4.3 after the freshman year
English-taught degree programs with a non-declared major (free major exploration)
Required documents
Online application form
One recommendation letter from a teacher
High school transcript
Copy of passport or national ID
Standardized test score (SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or GCE A-Level)
English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, TEPS, or TOEIC)
Optional: high school profile and up to five honors/awards
How to apply for the KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Two rounds: Early Admission (Spring track closes late Oct, Fall track mid-Jan) and Regular Admission (Fall, closes mid-January). Submit a complete application before the January deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageAdmitted international undergraduates receive full tuition exemption for 8 semesters plus…
LevelsBachelors
Frequently asked questions
Applicant must hold foreign (non-Korean) citizenship; Korean or dual citizens are ineligible Neither of the applicant's parents is a Korean citizen (Korean-origin applicants must have completed all schooling abroad) Completed or expected high school graduation (12 years of primary/secondary education) Must apply as a freshman; transfer students are not accepted International schools located in Korea are not recognized as foreign schools Must not hold a degree from another university upon enrollment
Full tuition exemption for 8 semesters (up to 4 years) Monthly living allowance of 350,000 KRW Medical/health insurance coverage Automatic consideration on admission (no separate scholarship application) Renewed by maintaining a GPA above 2.7/4.3 after the freshman year English-taught degree programs with a non-declared major (free major exploration)
Online application form One recommendation letter from a teacher High school transcript Copy of passport or national ID Standardized test score (SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or GCE A-Level) English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS, TEPS, or TOEIC) Optional: high school profile and up to five honors/awards
Two rounds: Early Admission (Spring track closes late Oct, Fall track mid-Jan) and Regular Admission (Fall, closes mid-January).
Yes — the KAIST International Undergraduate Scholarship charges USD 80 (fee waiver for top-ranked applicants from UN Least Developed Countries). Check the official website for the exact amount.
Application fee: USD 80 (fee waiver for top-ranked applicants from UN Least Developed Countries)